IAFF members are doing their part in creating support networks for military veterans to make their transition easier in the fire service. Dwayne Harris, a member of Montgomery County, MD Local 1664 knows firsthand what a good support system can do. A veteran of the Iraq war, Harris needed a place to discuss how challenging it was to transition back to civilian life. He was struck by how few support systems there were for veterans and decided he could make a difference. Harris helped to establ... [More]

Fire fighters are known for their close camaraderie on the job. But on any given day, personality conflicts can occur in the firehouse that can affect staff morale. IAFF members discussed how to deal with difficult people and behavior in the work place at the IAFF Human Relations Conference this week. A federal mediator led the discussion that centered on improving  labor management relations, organizational effectiveness and employment security and community relations. When seeking answers... [More]

Fire fighters are known to be a tough group who won't shy away from any situation. But when confronting the topic of homophobia and transphobia in the fire service many wonder what is appropriate when issues arise in the firehouse. At the IAFF Human Relations Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida this week, fire fighters discussed issues that have happened in their fire departments and what can be done to shatter stereotypes. The group explored myths, language , perceptions and how th... [More]

US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says a strong American economy depends on a strong middle class. She spoke in favor of protecting collective bargaining and union rights at the 20th Ernest A. buddy Mass Human Relations Conference Monday. "Workers deserve respect and a seat at the bargaining table," she says. Solis said America is slowly becoming a country where the top one percent is getting wealthier, as the middle class struggles to pay its bills. She cited labor attacks in Ohio and W... [More]

IAFF Members from across the United States and Canada are attending the 2012 Ernest A. "Buddy" Mass Human Relations Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The 20th annual conference is designed to build solidarity among brother and sister fire fighters as they explore the differences that divide and unite  them in the firehouse.  Fire fighters come together and discuss real issues such as race, sexual orientation, communication barriers, gender issues and other work place issues. A... [More]

There are no new problems in the fire department – they may be new to your local, but somewhere there is a department that has experienced the same thing. This is one of the reasons for the IAFF Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference, which kicked off today in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Nearly 300 IAFF members are attending this biennial conference designed to help IAFF affiliates address human relations issues and respond to challenges at the union hall and on the j... [More]

As more governors try to force 401 (k) style pension plans on public employees, a group of pension experts say they aren’t the solution for workers who want a secure retirement. “The real issue is why defined benefit plans make sense,” said Dean Baker, a co-director, of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.“The crisis over (public pensions) has been invented and the pension system is performing well,” Baker says. “The public sector is getting by and th... [More]

All eyes are on Indiana as Right-to-Work legislation continues to be debated.Opponents of the legislation are pushing for a referendum in November for voters to decide whether to enact the measure that would prevent private employee unions from seeking contracts that mandate all workers pay union fees regardless of whether they are members.Indiana IAFF members are not affected by this legislation as it only targets private sector employee unions, but it could set the stage for future attacks on ... [More]

Florida’s Governor Rick Scott is trying to soften his image these days. The divisive governor has had a series of profiles published about how he has learned lessons after a tough first year in office and wants a fresh start. Scott’s political agenda was so disliked until he was ranked as one of the most unpopular governors in America. Political watchers in the sunshine state don’t for see Scott trying to take collective bargaining rights away this year. But fire fighters a... [More]

The first window to submit applications for $742 million in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program money will likely open very soon – mid-January 2012. The window to apply will only be open for 30 days and the next application period won’t open until mid-July 2012.  All locals struggling with layoffs, pending layoffs, attritions and staffing shortages should apply.Since only officials from your jurisdiction can apply for the grant, with such a sh... [More]